“While clinical evidence supports the use of several nutrients as antidepressant agents, clinical studies to date have usually only assessed isolated nutrients.”

The study team is recruiting adults in South Eastern Queensland with depression who have not responded to ongoing anti-depressant treatment.

Professor Byrne said the eight-week study, which is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, was testing a combination of nutrients with individual evidence as mood-elevators, including tryptophan, folic acid, omega-3 and zinc.

“If a positive outcome is achieved it will have a significant impact on clinical practice and people with clinical depression,” Professor Byrne said.

“It will provide the public with an ‘evidence-based’ approach to enhancing the response of antidepressants that is affordable, safe and effective.”

The study, being done in conjunction with the University of Melbourne, will take place at The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Herston, Brisbane.

Those interested in participating in the trial, or learning more about the study, should contact the Brisbane research office on 07 3365 5572 or register their interest at www.nutrientsdepressionstudy.com